Round 4: Tsuyoshi Fujita vs. Itaru Ishida

Josh Bennett

Two of the giants of the Japanese pro scene were forced to tangle earlier than they would have liked. Both have long lists of accomplishments to their names, but recently added to them at Osaka two weeks ago. Tsuyoshi Fujita came within striking distance of the Top 8, only to finish 14th. Itaru Ishida led his crack squad Panzer Hunters to a return appearance in the Team Masters Finals. Now, after having travelled to Kuala Lumpur together, they would have to fight.

And that was where things went wrong. Fujita was forced to send Roar of the Wurm to the graveyard. Ishida was happy to bring it back into play. Worse, Fujita was stuck at just four land, unable to answer the giant monster. Two hits and it was over.

Now Fujita started hammering. A Torturer of his own and a Posessed Barbarian joined his side. Ishida had meantime hired a Cloudchaser, and chose to swing, bringing Fujita to seven. Fujita's counterstrike brought him to five. Strangely, Fujita chose to send the Fiend as well, trading it for the Hero. He couldn't have telegraphed his Syncopate any more clearly.

Still, Ishida had to try. He shrugged as Fujita turned over the counterspell. He held back and traded Archer for Firecat, but couldn't answer Fujita's other monsters. Sickening Dreams finished it.